Hard times have fallen on everyone, entire industries are shutting down, unemployment is rampant, stores are closing because no one has any money to buy their wares, and it seems as though the only thing to do is stand by the railroad track and watch the trains pass by the town. Such is life in the town of Guellen, but all is not yet lost.
Claire Zachanassian is a home girl turned millionairess, known for her philanthropy, soon to make her first visit after an absence of twenty years. The good townspeople are eager for her arrival and plan to rely on the time-honored art of schnorr to save Guellen.
So begins Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s aptly titled “The Visit of the Old Lady,” in a new production by the Habima Theatre, translated by Rivka Meshulach and directed by Ilan Ronen.
Claire’s arrival is indeed momentous and portends great change for the town and its people. Gila Almagor, the grand dame of Israeli theatre, is wonderful as Claire in glittering black, her voice oozing affluence and arrogance. One would do well to take note of the gleam in her eye and the way she wields her walking stick, there’s more to this wealthy woman than meets the eye.
The Mayor (Dov Reiser) charges Alfred (Yehoram Gaon), Claire’s old boyfriend, with the task of using their romantic past to talk Claire into putting out. She’s quite content to show them the money, but she’s a patron with a plan that involves something a bit shadier than a nostalgic walk in the woods.
When Claire comes into town with her strange entourage and even odder accoutrements, her interaction with the Mayor, town priest, policeman and all the others intent on winning her favor is quite funny. It soon becomes apparent that her unconventional baggage and bizarre questions are not merely the idiosyncrasies of the rich, and once her purpose is revealed the outcome is somewhat predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable to watch unfold.
This dark comedy that explores the mercenary side of human nature is wonderfully enhanced by Lily Ben Nachshon’s set design and Yoav Cohen’s video art.
The Visit of the Old Lady by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Hebrew version: Rivka Meshulach
Director: Ilan Ronen
Set Designer: Lily Ben Nachshon
Costume Designer: Anat Sternschuss
Music: Ohad Hitman
Video-art: Yoav Cohen
Lighting Designer: Keren Granek
Choreography: Maya Briner
